Why was the Volkswagen Tharu discontinued?

[RosalieRose]

The Volkswagen Tharu has not been discontinued; it has only undergone minor adjustments to its production line. The Tharu is a compact SUV launched by SAIC Volkswagen at the end of 2018, designed to replace the Tiguan in the Chinese compact SUV market. Currently, the Tharu has been updated to the 2020 model, so rumors of its discontinuation are unfounded. Below is an introduction to the Volkswagen Tharu: 1. Body dimensions: The Tharu measures 4453/1841/1632mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2680mm. 2. Safety features: The Tharu comes standard with the ESP body stability control system, front and side airbags, ASR traction control system, tire pressure monitoring, and other useful devices. 3. Powertrain: The Tharu is equipped with two engine options: a 1.4T inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 2.0T inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. Both are paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 1.4T engine delivers a maximum power of 110KW, maximum horsepower of 150PS, and maximum torque of 250N·m, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 9.1 seconds. The 2.0T engine produces a maximum power of 137KW, maximum horsepower of 186PS, and maximum torque of 320N·m, achieving a 0-100km/h acceleration in just 7.8 seconds.

[McMalia]

From the perspective of automotive manufacturing technology, the discontinuation of the Volkswagen Tharu is primarily due to the need for product platform upgrades and cost control. The Tharu was built on the MQB platform and initially performed well in the compact SUV market. However, as the MQB platform continues to evolve, the older design can no longer meet the new standards, and maintaining the supply chain for spare parts has become costly. Volkswagen has decided to optimize its production capacity. Based on some vehicle data I've reviewed, with the rise of the electric vehicle wave, Volkswagen is shifting resources to the ID series production lines. Models like the ID.4, an electric SUV, better align with current trends, leading to the natural phase-out of fuel-powered vehicles like the Tharu to make room for newer models. Intense market competition is also a factor, with rivals such as the Haval H6 and Honda CR-V introducing hybrid versions. The Tharu's sales gradually declined, making its discontinuation not entirely unexpected. Overall, it's important to see the bigger picture—the automotive industry evolves rapidly, and phasing out older models paves the way for more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly alternatives, which represents progress in the long run.

[Evie]

Concerned about the discontinuation of the Volkswagen Tharu, I believe it's due to market saturation and shifting consumer preferences. In recent years, China's SUV market has become overly crowded. The Tharu is priced in the mid-range but lacks standout performance, leading consumers to favor domestic brands with higher cost-performance ratios or hybrid models equipped with advanced driving assistance. Volkswagen's sales in China aren't as strong as before, and with the government pushing new energy policies, the brand must adjust its product lineup, prioritizing the development of popular models like the ID electric vehicles and the Tiguan L. A friend in the car sales industry mentioned that the Tharu production will halt once the existing inventory is cleared, aiming to utilize production lines more efficiently. This isn't necessarily a bad thing—Volkswagen continues to launch new models, such as pure-electric SUVs that align with carbon neutrality goals, offering consumers more technologically advanced and eco-friendly options. When choosing a car in the future, it's wise to stay updated on the latest trends.

[LeMarcus]

I drove a Volkswagen Tharu for a while and feel it's a pity that it's discontinued, but I can understand. The car is stable and comfortable to drive, suitable for daily family commuting, but its fuel economy is average, and the update frequency couldn't keep up with the times. Now mainstream automakers are cutting traditional fuel vehicles, like Volkswagen focusing on electric vehicles and new technologies, so the Tharu naturally steps aside. As an old owner, I think its design is good, but facing the impact of domestic brands and policy pressures, discontinuing it is part of the strategic pace. The market always needs to progress.

[AmeliaRose]

Speaking of the discontinuation of the Volkswagen Tharu, I believe the root cause is the inevitable shift toward electrification in the automotive industry. With strict national new energy policies in place, Volkswagen must reduce emissions and carbon footprints by consolidating resources and phasing out certain fuel-powered models. The Tharu's positioning overlaps somewhat with the Tiguan and ID series, so discontinuing it allows the company to focus resources more efficiently on new projects. In the future, electric SUVs will be more popular, such as Volkswagen's investments in charging networks and autonomous driving, which will benefit owners with lower energy consumption and costs. This adjustment is not an isolated case—many brands are downsizing their fuel vehicle lineups to align with the broader environmental trend.

[SanKingston]

When I was considering buying a car, I looked into the Volkswagen Tharu, but it has been discontinued mainly due to poor sales and insufficient product updates. The compact SUV market is fiercely competitive, and the Tharu's conservative design and lack of major functional breakthroughs made it less appealing to younger consumers, who prefer smart connectivity or electric options. Volkswagen has shifted its focus to newer models and the ID electric vehicle series. After the discontinuation of the Tharu, there are still similar options available, such as the Tayron or the Tiguan with hybrid versions. The industry as a whole is moving toward high efficiency and energy savings, making this move reasonable. Consumers should pay attention to the newly launched low-carbon models.